A website strategy will help you with your website design

The purpose of this page is to get you thinking about what you need rather than what you want. So here's some food for thought!

If you run head first into the website design stage without having a website strategy you may end up costing yourself valuable time and money.

Important website strategy questions include:

• What does my business do?
• Do I need a website?
• How will a website help my business?
• How much should I spend on a website?
• What do I want my website to do?
• How will people find my website?
• How long will it take to set up a website?
• Do I need to understand programming or HTML?
• How will I monitor if my website is successful?
• Where do I start in designing my website?

If you would like to talk over your website strategy with us we're only a free phone call away - 0800 6226338.

What does my business do?

If you sell products or items you’ll possibly need an e-commerce website solution. If you offer a service your website may only need to be informational. Software Assistance’s website design service if focused on the later - information based websites.

Do I need a website?

We believe that all businesses should have an online presence. How well you maximise your presence will determine the rewards you get from having a website. Some websites will have a couple of pages simply stating who they are, what they do and may include their contact and location details. Other websites offer the same information but include more dynamic content, testimonials, newsletter sign up and other great features. So yes, we do believe you need a website!

How will a website help my business?

When designed professionally and with relevant content your website can move up the natural search listings and help to bring in new business. If you offer a service or a trade then just having a website address on your business stationary gives confidence to you clients. Your website is a great way to show examples of what you do. Adding testimonials can help you win more business and show your clients who you have been working for.

How much should I spend on a website?

It can cost hundreds of pounds to place an advert in a business directory or to have a one off full colour advert in a local paper, having a website is a far better investment. We don’t believe website design should cost the earth. That’s why our total package is only £199 to set up and £49 per month. All businesses should allocate funds to their marketing. How much is up to you! Investing in your website can bring so many rewards. At only £49 per month can you afford not to?

What do I want my website to do?

Do you want your website to bring in new business or do you want it purely as a referral source for your existing clients? Many businesses started their websites because they felt their customers and clients expected it. They then realise that it can be a business generator. If you want your website to promote your business and bring in new clients then you need a website that is search engine friendly.

How will people find my website?

You’ll be found in the natural search listings. You can promote your website address on flyers, posters and in any other advertising media. You can subscribe to a Pay Per Click service, such as Google AdWords, which is a proven tool for getting fast results. Just adding your website address to your stationary and business cards should generate traffic. If someone can’t remember your business phone number but they can remember your business name then they’re likely to type it into a search engine. Wouldn’t it be great if your website came up with information about you in addition to your contact details!

How long will it take to set up a website?

We can have your website ready to go live in 48 hours. All you need to do is add your content. You only need the minimum of information to get launched and start promoting your business. I would suggest the following initial pages: Home, About Us, Services, Contact Us. Over time you can add more content such as photo galleries, testimonials, forums and news etc.

Do I need to understand programming or HTML?

No, you do not need any knowledge of HTML code or programming skills. If you know how to use a word processor such as Microsoft Word then you can add, edit, and remove content within our content management system. Don’t forget we’ll give you training and support included in your monthly fee.

How will I monitor if my website is successful?

Our CMS website design package comes with inbuilt statistics to see how much traffic your website is getting. You can also add Google Analytics code to your website to get more in depth analysis of your website success. Best part is that Google Analytics is a free service from Google.

Where do I start in designing my website?

The best place to start would be to call us on our free phone number - 0800 6226338. We can then begin by understanding your business and building a strategy that’s right for you.